3 Reasons Summer is Good for Your Budget

We’re all a bit easier to please during the summer months. School is out. Schedules are more laid back. And an evening of entertainment may simply require a few lawn chairs for the adults and a sprinkler for the kids to run through. Take advantage of that easygoing attitude and your budget will thank you!

Cook Up Savings in the Kitchen

For most of us, summertime means fewer scheduled evening activities, so it’s the perfect time to cook more meals at home. Even if you find yourself on the run, grilling is a fast and tasty way to get dinner on the table quickly. And for a special weekend treat, try this homemade strawberry cake recipe from Martha Thompson, our Director of Guest Relations.

Speaking of tasty, consider planting your own vegetable garden. George Ball, chairman and CEO of seed giant Burpee, says every dollar you spend on green bean seeds will result in a green bean harvest worth $75. Mr. Burpee, er, Ball may be exaggerating a bit, but a family vegetable garden is a great family project that can cut your grocery bill.

If you don’t have green thumb, try your local farmer’s market for fresh produce at a great price. If you’re really industrious, you can even buy extras and can them for the winter.

Don’t forget the no-fail way to reap the savings, especially in the summer—cut up the credit card!People buy more junk food with plastic, and who needs junk food when there’s an abundance of fresh summer fruit and veggies?

Easygoing Entertainment Options

Everyone needs some time to relax and have fun. Luckily, summertime fun can be simple and cheap!

—Enjoy the warm weather with outdoor activities that are also good for your health, like neighborhood bike rides or playing Marco Polo with the garden hose. Who needs a gym membership when you have activities like that?

—Organize a neighborhood foursquare, kickball or soccer tournament. Better yet, get your kids involved and let them run with the idea.

—Gather cardboard boxes of various sizes and make something from nothing. We ran across this video of a nine-year-old boy who created an arcade from boxes.

—Check websites for local hidden attractions to find their “freebie” days. Arrange a backstage tour of your favorite restaurant.

And keep in mind, your kids don’t need you to shell out for expensive outings. They will honestly enjoy family game nights, camping out and watching Fourth of July fireworks as long as it means spending time with you. Get ideas for more fun summer activities.

Kids Contribute

From the 1950s to the 1990s, 45–60% of teenagers had summer jobs. These days, only about 25% work during the summer. Summer jobs are essential for teaching kids the responsibilities of holding down a job. They’ll also learn the value of earning and managing money.

Dave has plenty of tools you can use this summer to teach your kids valuable financial principles that will last a lifetime.Financial Peace Juniorhas everything you need to start teaching your kids the values of working and earning money. And The Graduate’s Survival Guide will give your recent high school grad a close look at what it’s like to handle money on their own.

Tell us how you will make this summer good for your budget by leaving a comment below.